An extended auto warranty is a protection plan you can buy from an automaker or dealership to cover mechanical breakdowns. Third-party providers offer similar coverage in the form of vehicle service contracts. We use these terms interchangeably in this article for simplicity.
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Crash Course:
- CarShield offers eight vehicle protection plans.
- Its plans are affordable and are paid month to month instead of in one lump sum.
- Many plans come with additional benefits like roadside assistance and trip interruption.
CarShield is one of the biggest names in the third-party vehicle protection plan industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the specifics of what CarShield vehicle service contracts cover and what vehicle components or services may be excluded. We’ll also talk about some of the top-rated vehicle service contract providers in our study.
CarShield Warranty Plans
CarShield is a vehicle service contract broker, meaning it offers protection plans administered by other companies such as American Auto Shield. Its plans can cover cars up to 300,000 miles, which is one of the most generous term limits in the industry. There are eight CarShield plans to choose from. Learn more about each one below:
| CarShield Plan | Coverage Details |
| Diamond | This is CarShield’s most comprehensive coverage option and is similar to the new car factory bumper-to-bumper warranty from a dealership. This plan covers nearly every part of your vehicle except for wear and tear parts and regular maintenance items, so expect higher prices – but with top-of-the-line coverage. |
| Platinum | CarShield’s Platinum plan is an excellent choice for high-mileage vehicles, used cars, and those nearing the end of a manufacturer’s warranty. Covered components in the Platinum plan include most parts of the engine, transmission, drive axle, air conditioning, cooling system, fuel pump, electrical system, starter, and water pump. |
| Gold | CarShield’s Gold contract is an enhanced powertrain plan. Along with covering the covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, the Gold plan protects your car’s electrical components including the alternator, starter, air conditioning system, and power windows. |
| Gold Select | This plan covers everything the Gold one does except for the fuel injector. |
| Silver | Silver coverage is CarShield’s most affordable policy, and it’s a relatively basic powertrain plan. It covers crucial parts of your vehicle, including lubricated components such as the engine and drive axle, along with the transmission and water pump. |
| Aluminum | The Aluminum plan focuses on computer-related and electrical components. Note that Aluminum protection does not cover powertrain parts such as the engine and transmission. |
| Motorcycle & ATV | It’s worth considering this CarShield plan if you own a specialty vehicle, as there are very few similar vehicle protection plans. You’ll be able to choose coverage that’s close to the offerings of the Platinum or Silver plan. |
| Electric Vehicle | These plans offer coverage for a variety of EV components, like the electric drive unit, battery pack, and more. |
What Does CarShield Cover?
Below is a breakdown of six of the eight coverage plans – its Motorcycle & ATV plan and EV plan cover various components of their respective vehicles.
| Diamond | Platinum | Gold | Gold Select | Silver | Aluminum | |
| Engine | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Transmission | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Drive Axle | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Air Conditioning | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Fuel Pump | X | X | X | X | ||
| Fuel Injector | X | X | X | |||
| Water Pump | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Steering | X | X | X | |||
| Suspension | X | X | X | |||
| Brake System | X | X | X | |||
| Electrical System | X | X | X | |||
| Wiring Harness | X | X | ||||
| GPS | X | X | X | |||
| Factory Audio | X | X | X | |||
| Starter | X | X | X | X | ||
| Alternator | X | X | X | X | ||
| Power Windows | X | X | X | X |
CarShield Coverage Cost
We did some secret shopping to get an idea of what CarShield customers pay for their coverage. Based on our research, CarShield coverage costs between $149.99 and $169.99 per month. However, we were able to get discounts – some as much as $50 off – by negotiating with the representative.
Learn more about CarShield’s costs in our dedicated guide.
Added Benefits
Depending on the CarShield plan you choose, it could come with attractive perks, including the following:
- 24-hour roadside assistance: Comes with towing and lockout services, battery jump-starts, and fluid and fuel delivery
- Trip interruption benefits: Reimbursement for food and lodging during covered breakdowns 100 or more miles from home
- Rental car reimbursement: Provides funds for a substitute car while yours is in the shop for a covered breakdown
- Your choice of repair facility (dealership or any ASE®-licensed mechanic)
To learn more about the fine print of what warranties from CarShield cover, read our full CarShield review.
CarShield Exclusions
The list of auto repair items that are not covered under CarShield plans include, but are not limited to:
- Damage related to pre-existing conditions incurred prior to obtaining the vehicle service contract
- Damage to normal wear and tear items like windshield wipers, lamp bulbs, brake pads, wiper blades, and air filters
- Mechanical breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance
- Damage caused by unauthorized repairs
- Parts that have been modified
- Damage from work done at repair facilities that aren’t ASE-certified
- Issues caused by acts of nature, collisions, theft and vandalism, or animals
As mentioned above, CarShield does not cover any repairs performed by unauthorized repair shops, which are generally any repair facilities that aren’t certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
The exclusions listed above are pretty standard among reputable companies, so it’s unlikely that you’ll find more generous limits elsewhere.
CarShield Coverage Review
In our industry review, we gave CarShield a coverage score of 4.5 out of 5.0 for its extensive options and generous term limits. We also gave it high marks for its affordability and customer service.
However, CarShield got a low score for industry standing – 3.7 out of 5.0 – due to a allegations that it engaged in deceptive advertising and poor claims service. In July 2024, CarShield paid the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) $10 million to settle these allegations.
While it could still be a good provider for you, we recommend researching these claims and getting quotes from multiple providers before committing to CarShield.
CarShield Coverage: Conclusion
CarShield offers a lot, both in terms of its plans and its term limits. It’s also affordable, and can get even cheaper if you’re comfortable negotiating with the representative. It doesn’t have the best reputation in the industry due to its recent claims of misleading marketing, but it might still be a good provider for you, depending on your needs.
We recommend getting and comparing quotes from CarShield and several of our top providers, like Endurance, autopom!, and CARCHEX.
Carshield Coverage: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about CarShield coverage:
Does CarShield cover older cars?
Yes, CarShield does cover older and high-mile vehicles. However, you may want to consider lower-tier coverage plans like the Gold or Silver, as they only cover the most vital components.
What does CarShield not cover?
Like most extended warranty companies, CarShield does not cover wear and tear parts, damage caused by acts of nature and collisions, or issues created due to the lack of regular maintenance. Refer to your service agreement for a complete list of coverage exclusions.
Does CarShield cover brakes?
Four of CarShield’s warranty plans cover the actual brakes on your vehicle. However, normal wear items like brake pads are not covered.
Does CarShield cover electrical problems?
CarShield’s Platinum plan and Diamond plan both cover electrical systems. The Aluminum plan covers most electrical parts, including the starter and navigation systems.
What is CarShield’s waiting period?
All CarShield plans come with a 30-day/1,000-mile waiting period before becoming active. This is to prevent the company from covering pre-existing mechanical issues.
What is the mileage limit for CarShield coverage?
CarShield’s vehicle service contracts can cover your car for up to 300,000 miles.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
